New Biomedical Director appointed to Tel Aviv

Dr Sky Gross has been appointed as Biomedical Director

The Melbourne Biomedical Precinct will have increased opportunities to build valuable relationships with Israel with the appointment of Dr Sky Gross to the Victorian Government’s new Trade and Investment Office in Tel Aviv.

In her role as the new Biomedical Director, Dr Gross will focus on translating Victoria’s world-class medical research into commercial opportunities, creating jobs and growth and increasing the collaboration with Israel.

The Trade and Investment Office opened in late 2017 and is the only Australian state government office of its type in Tel Aviv. Professor Gareth Goodier, Executive Chair, Melbourne Biomedical Precinct Office said the appointment of a Biomedical Director in Israel was an unprecedented opportunity for the Precinct.

“Israel is the recognised leader in translation and commercialisation and this will not only help open doors to biomedical research partnerships and related commercial opportunities, but also build and strengthen our knowledge and skills,” he said.

“This is a chance to learn from and work with the best. Dr Gross knows the people, the businesses and the approach that will make a difference to our discoveries – taking them that step further through clinical application and commercialisation to add even more impact to patient care and the Victorian economy.”

Dr Gross’s background is in research and professional roles in health and social sciences, particularly in medical sociology and anthropology.

The Melbourne Biomedical Precinct Office will work actively with Dr Gross and the team in Israel to market and showcase Victorian discoveries to this very lucrative market. The appointment is a joint initiative between Victoria and the Israel-Australia Chamber of Commerce. Paul Israel, Executive Director of the Chamber, recognised the importance of the partnership.

“The Chamber is most excited by the appointment of Dr Gross, the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct is the jewel in the crown of the emerging Australian innovation eco-system and the opportunity to combine efforts with Israel will create a powerful partnership that will only strengthen and enhance both economies, ” he said.